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AVM-GSL Over the Counter

Apiguard Gel 12.5 g for Beehive Use

Active ingredient: Thymol

Form

Gel

Species

Honey bees

Manufacturer

Vita Bee Health Limited

VMD MA No.

61437/3001

What it's used for

Treatment of varroosis due to

Full indications, dosage and side effects ↓
View official SPC (PDF)

The prescription itself has a price. See what practices near you charge for a consultation and the written prescription fee.

Paying less for Thymol

  1. 1

    Ask your vet for a written prescription

    They must provide one on request. Under the CMA Order the fee is capped at £21 from 2027.

  2. 2

    Fill it at a registered online retailer

    The CMA found online pharmacies 50–60% cheaper than practice dispensing on common medicines — typically £200–£300 a year.

Clinical information

Apiguard Gel 12.5 g for Beehive Use — SPC Details

Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 26 Mar 2026.

Treatment of varroosis due to
Treatment in the hive : two applications of 50 g of gel per colony at a 2 week interval.
Maximum of two treatments per year.
Method of administration
Open the hive. Peel back the foil lid of the tray leaving one corner of the lid attached
to the tray. Place the open tray centrally on the top of the frames, gel side up.
Ensure that there is a free space of at least 0.5 cm between the top of the tray and
the hive cover board. Close the hive. After two weeks replace the first tray with a new
one according to the same instruction. Leave the product in the colony until the tray
is empty. Remove the product when installing the supers on the colony.
The efficacy of the product is maximised if the product is used in late summer after

Revised: November 2025
AN: 01857/2025
the honey harvest (when the amount of bee brood present is diminishing). However,
in the case of severe infestations, the product can also be used during springtime,
when temperatures are above 15°C.
Efficacy may vary between colonies due to the nature of the application. Therefore,
the product should be used as one treatment among others within an Integrated Pest
Management programme, and mitefall regularly monitored. If further significant mite
fall is observed during the following Winter or Spring, it is recommended to use an
additional secondary Winter or Spring treatment for varroa.
None known
A slight agitation of the colony during the treatment is possible.
Occasionally at high temperature some slight reduction in young brood can occur
during the treatment period; this is transient and has no effect on the development of
the colony.
Localised bee brood removal can sometimes occur in treated colonies. Normal bee
behaviour involves removing or cleaning the gel from the tray above the brood
frames with no effect on the colony; however, especially with more hygienic strains,
some bees may occasionally remove uncapped bee brood from the vicinity of the
product also. If this is observed, remove the product from the colony.
Care should be taken to ensure that the authorised dosage schedule is adhered to as
improper dosing could deleteriously affect the colony.
The product should be used as part of an integrated varroa control program.

i) Special precautions for use in animals
Do not treat during honey flow to avoid potential taste tainting.
The treatment can be performed immediately after the removal of the supers.
Do not use the product when the maximum daily temperature expected during the
treatment is lower than 15°C or when the colony activity is very low or when
temperature is above 40°C.
Combine weak colonies before treatment.
All colonies of an apiary should be treated simultaneously.

Revised: November 2025
AN: 01857/2025
ii) Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary
medicinal product to animals
Because of possible contact dermatitis and irritation of the skin and eyes, direct skin
and eye contact should be avoided.
When handling the product, wear impermeable gloves as well as the usual protection
equipment.
After application, wash hands and the material being in contact with the gel with soap
and water.
In case of skin contact, wash thoroughly the affected area with soap and water.
In case of eye contact, wash the eyes thoroughly with copious amounts of clean
running water and seek medical advice.
Do not inhale.
iii) Other precautions
None known.
Do not store above 30°C.
Do not freeze.
Keep unopened in the original packaging.
Protect from direct sunlight.
Do not store the product near pesticides or other chemical substances which could
contaminate the product.
Store away from foodstuffs.
Honey: zero days.
Do not use during honey flow.
5.

This information is sourced from the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.

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